STEVEN GERRARD insists his operation to insert a screw into his broken foot will quicken, not delay, his comeback.

The Liverpool skipper remains confident the initial diagnosis of a two month lay-off will prove accurate.

He says the minor surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his left foot is actually a positive step in his recovery.

"In a way it's good and bad news for me," said Gerrard.

"No-one likes to have to go into hospital for an operation, but if it's going to get me back playing on schedule it's better for me.

"I spoke to the surgeon yesterday and he explained that if I just left the bone to heal normally I could have been looking at another eight weeks out on top of the two I've already missed.

"By having a screw inserted in my foot, the bone will set in place and heal a lot quicker. I'm still looking at another six weeks from now, but the operation isn't because of a new problem. It's just a way of getting me fit sooner."

Gerrard, who is likely to have the pin removed in around three weeks, has been badly missed in the last two away fixtures against Olympiakos and Chelsea.

Rafa Benitez will be eager for his skipper to return as soon as possible as Liverpool have fallen off the early pace at the top of the Premiership and still have work to do to qualify through their Champions League group.

"I'm desperate to get back," said Gerrard. "But I've just got to rest. I'll be watching the England versus Wales match at home like everyone else."

Meanwhile, Gerrard has been nominated for the FIFA Player of the Year award, alongside teammate Milan Baros.

A total of 35 players have been short-listed with ex-Reds striker Michael Owen also included.